Couples Therapy 101: Psychotherapy with a Collateral

Hello,

We plan to post a series of introduction about couples therapy-in addition to other topics-in order to demystify it, so that many of you can try and benefit from couples counseling.

Engaging in therapy and having your partner in your session to treat your psychological problems can be very beneficial and a form of counseling commonly practiced in mental health field. Although your health insurance normally may not cover “couples therapy,” you can have sessions with your partner when the focus of counseling is on your individual problems and your therapist has expertise in couples therapy.

Here are some reasons why it can be beneficial to have your partner in your therapy:

1) Addressing relationship issues: Psychological problems can sometimes be related to relationship issues. In these cases, it can be beneficial to have a partner participate in therapy to address any communication problems, conflicts, or other relationship issues that may be contributing to the individual’s psychological problems.

2) Building support and understanding: Having a partner participate in therapy can help build support and understanding between partners. This can be especially important for individuals with psychological problems who may feel isolated, misunderstood, or unsupported.

3) Encouraging healthy behaviors: A partner can provide encouragement and support for healthy behaviors such as exercise, self-care, and healthy eating habits. This can be especially important for individuals with psychological problems who may struggle with motivation and self-care.

4) Improving communication: Therapy sessions with a partner can provide an opportunity for improved communication and understanding between partners. This can help the individual with psychological problems feel more supported and validated by their partner.

Hugh Kwon, MA

Licensed Professional Counselor